Have you ever put a lot of time and effort into planning a vacation and been so excited about it only to arrive and something go wrong? You thought you were making the most of your vacation but it didn’t go according to plan? Or even worse, you get in a fight with your partner along the way? Recently I was so excited to go on vacation with my husband. I planned all these exciting activities and tours. I thought it was going to be perfect! Instead we were constantly busy, running around to new things, exhausted, and barely got any time to relax together.
That was certainly a lesson learned the hard way. I started to wonder how could I have done things differently? How can couples make the most out of a vacation together? Many of us have such high stress lives at home, this is some of the only time we get to really slow down and reconnect with our partners. I’ve created a list below of the do’s and dont’s of making the most of your vacation with your spouse or partner. This way no matter what kind of vacation you go on, you can truly make the most of every moment.
A recent study by the US travel association found that couples who are travel together are more likely to experience passion and fun in their relationship. That sounds pretty great; but what else makes a vacation so good?
Do plan the trip together.
The planning phase of the vacation should not be overlooked. For some couples, this can be as important as the trip itself. When you are planning a vacation with your spouse or partner, the first step is to discuss what you want from a vacation. Are you looking to relax and unwind or be active everyday? Do you want to tour a city or be in the country? Make these decisions together and be willing to compromise a little. This should be a trip that you both are excited to go on. Get excited together! The feel good moments from the shared anticipation and reminiscing afterwards will last longer than the vacation itself.
Do allot time for new or exciting activities and experiences.
At the beginning of relationships, everything seems new and exciting. However, as we get into a rhythm and life takes over it can be easy to lose that drive to try new things. A vacation with your partner is a wonderful time to try something new. Whether it be a cooking lesson, a wine tasting, or learning to surf – research has shown that trying new experiences with your partner creates closer feelings of intimacy and connected-ness. New experiences not only create feelings of closeness or connection in the moment, but also a positive memory for you to look back on. When life at home is stressful, looking back on these good times can keep you and your partner close and in tune with one another.
Don’t overbook your schedule
This was the major pitfall on our trip. We overbooked! I was so excited to do so many things that I didn’t give us enough time to really enjoy each other or our surroundings. Consider this particular pitfall on all aspects of your trip. That includes flight connections, tour guides and even dinner reservations. Give yourself enough time to really slow down and appreciate that you are on vacation! If you are traveling internationally or through multiple time zones, overestimate the time you may need. One of the biggest bummers for me on a vacation is being too exhausted to actually appreciate where I am. You need time to rest and recharge to really make the most out of your vacation.
Don’t forget about taking care of yourself
Just because you’re on vacation, doesn’t mean you are always able to forget about all the stressors at home. Make sure that when you go on a vacation with your partner or spouse, you are still staying in touch with your own needs. This may mean that you need to do spend some time alone to regroup and refocus and that is totally okay. Maybe for you that looks like going to the gym, walking on the beach, getting a massage or just being by yourself for a little bit. It is hard to be fully present and open for positive connections if you are not in a good place yourself.
Vacations with your spouse can be so fun! Making the most of your vacation together does not need to get overly complicated or overwhelming. By following some of the tips and guidelines above you and your partner can have a successful and connecting couples trip with ease. Or, better yet, why not join us on our Luxe Couples Retreat and I’ll take care of all of that for you!
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